Violinkonzerte No. 1 & 2 e.a.w. (Steinbacher) (2005)

Arabella Steinbacher is yet another obviously talented young violinist, but this enterprising release really throws down the gauntlet to the competition, showing how to be both brilliant and musically interesting. These three Milhaud concertos are all but unknown, but they give Steinbacher plenty of opportunity to display her glittering technique as well as emotional maturity. This may sound surprising given the composer, a member of Les Six and one often noted for his cool polytonal style, eclecticism, and emotional detachment. These are certainly facets on Milhaud's omnivorous musical personality, and like all very prolific composers he invariably is described as "uneven", especially by experts who have taken no opportunity (and have no desire) to bother listening to the majority of what he wrote. In fact, the three concertos here couldn't be more contrasted. (...) (arkivmusic.com)